Absorbent article having dryness indicating graphic

ABSTRACT

An absorbent article including features facilitating toilet training of a wearer is provided. The article includes at least a first appearing graphic that changes from an initial, less visible state to a subsequent, more visible state in the absence of wetness, thereby to provide positive encouragement to a child during toilet training. The appearing graphic becomes less visible if subjected to liquid. A wetness sensation member may also be provided to give tactile, negative sensation to the child, thereby giving feedback received by at least two different senses. Additionally or alternatively, a second appearing graphic, different from the first appearing graphic, may be provided to increase a child&#39;s interest in the toilet training process. The first and second appearing graphics may become visible at different times, thereby providing a sequential or spaced reveal of the image.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/270,583, filed on May 6, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/763,885 filed on Feb. 11, 2013, now U.S. Pat.No. 8,742,199, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.11/098,362, filed Apr. 4, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,378,166, all ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is applicable to absorbent articles includingdiapers, training pants, pull-on diapers, incontinence briefs,incontinence undergarments, absorbent inserts, diaper holders andliners, and the like. This disclosure is particularly related toabsorbent articles having dryness indicating graphics suited for urinarytoilet training.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Absorbent articles are well known in the art. These articles typicallyhave an absorbent assembly held or positioned in proximity to the bodyof a wearer during use in order to capture and absorb bodily exudatesdischarged from the wearer. Typical absorbent articles include atopsheet facing the wearer, which permits fluid exudates to passthrough, and a backsheet, which prevents the exudates from escaping fromthe absorbent article.

Disposable absorbent articles such as diapers are designed to absorb andcontain bodily waste in order to prevent soiling of the body andclothing of the wearer. Disposable diapers typically comprise a singledesign available in different sizes to fit a variety of wearers rangingfrom newborns to toddlers undergoing toilet training. The design of thediaper typically affects performance, such as the ability to absorb andcontain bodily waste. The fit of the diaper on the wearer's body istypically affected by, for example, the size of the diaper waistopening, the size of the openings around the thighs, and the length or“pitch” of the diaper.

The toilet training stage may be referred to as the “point of exit” fromthe diaper product category because toddlers who have successfullycompleted toilet training typically no longer wear diapers. The age atwhich children are toilet trained in “developed” countries has increasedsteadily over the past several decades and is now in the range of about24-48 months. One reason for which toilet training has become delayed isthat significant technical improvements have been made in diaper drynessand comfort. For example, when wearing a typical modern diaper, thechild may have dry skin even after one or more occurrences of urination.As a result, the child may feel little or no discomfort and often maynot even be aware that he or she has urinated. However, having the childfeel discomfort following urination in his or her “pants” may assistwith learning and/or provide motivation to learn to voluntarily retainurine. It is possible to use cloth training pants that leave the skinwet and, due to their high breathability, promote evaporative cooling ofthe skin, further enhancing discomfort. However, cloth training pantshave poor urine containment, often leading to wet clothing and wetsurroundings, e.g., carpeting, furniture, etc.

In addition to tactile feedback, the toilet training process mayincorporate a wide variety of different aspects, including many trainingtechniques and training aids that may be used by a caregiver. One aspectof the toilet training process is the change from diapers to trainingpants, during which the child is taught to use a toilet just likeadults. Another aspect of the toilet training process includes caregiverinstruction as a positive encouragement and reinforcement to the childthat he or she should now be using a toilet instead of diapers.

Unfortunately, conventional training techniques often focus on providingnegative feedback rather than positive encouragement to stay dry.Articles are known which have an “active” graphic that disappears in thepresence of urine. Such graphics provide negative reinforcement to thechild that he or she has wet the article, but do not provideencouragement during the period during which the article was dry.Accordingly, such disappearing graphics may have only limited effect.

The prior art also generally suggests the use of active graphics thatappear over time, thereby to provide positive encouragement to thechild. U.S. Pat. No. 6,635,797, which issued to Olson et al. on Oct. 21,2003, discloses an “active” graphic that becomes more visible with thepassage of time when exposed to the environment but not exposed tourine. Olson et al. teach that the “active” graphic is an object, suchas a fish or a butterfly. The “active” graphic may also be a pluralityof the same object, such as a plurality of fish or a plurality ofbutterflies. The use of repetitive “active” graphics, however, ispotentially monotonous and therefore risks losing the child's interestin the toilet training process.

The prior art is limited to providing a single type of sensory feedback.Articles that facilitate transmission of temperature changes or wetnessfollowing urination provide a negative, tactile reminder to the child.“Active” graphics that disappear upon contact by urine provide anegative, visual reminder. Active graphics that appear over time providea positive, visual reminder.

Thus, it would be desirable to provide an article that can facilitateurinary toilet training by providing different appearing graphics thatcaptivate and maintain a child's interest. It would also be desirablefor an article to provide multi-sensory feedback to a child that maysend redundant or different reminders during the toilet trainingprocess.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

An absorbent article including features facilitating toilet training ofa wearer is provided. The article includes a backsheet having aninterior surface and an opposite exterior surface, and an absorbentassembly disposed on the interior surface. A first appearing graphic isdisposed on one of the backsheet and absorbent assembly and viewable atthe exterior surface. The first appearing graphic has an initial statein which the first appearing graphic is less visible and, after a firstperiod of time, a subsequent state in which the first appearing graphicis more visible. A second appearing graphic, different from the firstappearing graphic, is disposed on one of the back sheet and absorbentassembly and viewable at the exterior surface. The second appearinggraphic has an initial state in which the second appearing graphic isless visible and, after a second period of time different from the firstperiod of time, a subsequent state in which the second appearing graphicis more visible. The use of different graphics which appear at differenttime intervals is better able to attract and maintain a child'sattention and focus during the toilet training process.

In addition, an absorbent article providing multi-sensory feedback to achild is provided. An absorbent article for wearing about a lower torsoof a wearer and having a longitudinal axis has two laterally opposedarticle side edges extending between a laterally extending first waistend edge in a first waist region and a laterally extending second waistend edge in a second waist region, and a crotch region interposedtherebetween. The disposable absorbent article includes a backsheet, atopsheet joined to the backsheet and having a body-facing surface, andan absorbent assembly disposed intermediate the backsheet and thetopsheet. At least one wetness sensation member is positioned to closelycontact a wearer's skin during use. The wetness sensation memberincludes a permeable layer and an impermeable layer disposed inface-to-face arrangement with the permeable layer, wherein urinedeposited onto the wetness sensation member can penetrate through thepermeable layer in a z direction to the impermeable layer and whereinthe impermeable layer prevents urine from passing completely through themember in the z direction and supports movement of urine in an x-y planesuch that the wearer's awareness of urination is enhanced. At least afirst appearing graphic is disposed on one of the backsheet andabsorbent assembly and viewable at the exterior surface. The firstappearing graphic has an initial state in which the first appearinggraphic is less visible and, after a first period of time, a subsequentstate in which the first appearing graphic is more visible. Accordingly,the wetness sensation member provides tactile negative reinforcementwhile the appearing graphic provides positive visual encouragement to achild during the toilet training process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawing figures, like reference numerals identifylike elements, which may or may not be identical in the severalexemplary embodiments that are depicted. Some of the figures may havebeen simplified by the omission of selected elements for the purpose ofmore clearly showing other elements. Such omissions of elements in somefigures are not necessarily indicative of the presence or absence ofparticular elements in any of the exemplary embodiments, except as maybe explicitly delineated in the corresponding written description.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a wetness sensation member accordingto the present disclosure.

FIG. 3a is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article having awetness sensation member disposed on a body-facing surface.

FIG. 3b is a cross sectional view of the disposable absorbent articleshown in FIG. 3a illustrating the layers of the wetness sensationmember.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a pull-on disposable absorbent articleillustrating the attachment of the wetness sensation member.

FIG. 5a is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article having awetness sensation member integrated with the topsheet.

FIG. 5b is a cross sectional view of the disposable absorbent articleillustrated in FIG. 5 a.

FIG. 6a is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article having twowetness sensation members integrated with the topsheet and disposedparallel to and spaced apart from the longitudinal axis with anelongated slit opening interposed therebetween.

FIG. 6b is a cross sectional view of the disposable absorbent articleillustrated in FIG. 6 a.

FIG. 7a is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article having aZ-folded topsheet with two wetness sensation members integrated with thetopsheet and disposed in the Z-folds in the topsheet.

FIG. 7b is a cross sectional view of the disposable absorbent articleillustrated in FIG. 7 a.

FIG. 8a is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article with barrierleg cuffs including wetness sensation members integrated with thebarrier leg cuffs.

FIG. 8b is a cross sectional view of the disposable absorbent articleillustrated in FIG. 8 a.

FIG. 9a is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article with analternative form of barrier leg cuffs including wetness sensationmembers integrated with the barrier leg cuffs.

FIG. 9b is a cross sectional view of the disposable absorbent articleillustrated in FIG. 9 a.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary disposable absorbentarticle 20, which is shown in its relaxed, contracted state, i.e., withthe contraction induced by elastic members. In FIG. 10, the interiorportion of the article 20 that faces inwardly toward the wearer andcontacts the wearer is shown facing upward.

FIG. 11 is another perspective view similarly oriented.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the refastenable side seam 40 shownin an open condition in FIG. 11, showing the side seam in a fastenedcondition.

FIG. 13 is another perspective view oriented similarly to the views ofFIG. 10 and FIG. 11, showing an alternative form of secondary fasteningcomponent.

FIG. 14a is a front perspective view of an absorbent article havingappearing graphics in an initial state.

FIG. 14b is a front perspective view of the absorbent article of FIG.14a showing a first appearing graphic in a subsequent state.

FIG. 14c is a front perspective view of the absorbent article of FIG.14a with both a first and a second appearing graphic in subsequentstates.

FIG. 15a is a partial section view of an absorbent article with a singlelayer backsheet.

FIG. 15b is a partial section view of an absorbent article with a doublelayer backsheet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE Definitions

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

The term “absorbent article” refers to a device that absorbs andcontains liquid, and more specifically, refers to a device that isplaced against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb andcontain the various exudates discharged from the body.

The term “disposable” refers to absorbent articles that generally arenot intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused asabsorbent articles, i.e., they are intended to be discarded after asingle use and, preferably, to be recycled, composted or otherwisedisposed of in an environmentally compatible manner.

The term “unitary” refers to an absorbent article that is formed ofseparate parts united together to form a coordinated entity so as to notrequire separate manipulative parts like a separate holder and liner.

The term “disposed” refers to an element being attached and positionedin a particular place or position in a unitary structure with otherelements.

The term “diaper” refers to an absorbent article generally worn byinfants and incontinent persons about the lower torso and having thegeneral form of a sheet, different portions of which are fastenedtogether to encircle the waist and the legs of the wearer.

The term “training pants” refers to an absorbent article generally wornby infants and incontinent persons about the lower torso and having thegeneral form of a pair of short pants that can be applied or removedfrom the wearer without unfastening.

The term “refastenable” refers to the property of two elements beingcapable of releasable attachment, separation, and subsequent releasablereattachment without substantial permanent deformation or rupture.

The terms “releasably attached,” “releasably engaged”, and variationsthereof refer to two elements being connected or connectable such thatthe elements tend to remain connected absent a separation force appliedto one or both of the elements, and the elements being capable ofseparation without substantial permanent deformation or rupture. Therequired separation force is typically beyond that encountered whilewearing the absorbent garment.

The term “toilet training” refers to the development of continence,which is the ability to voluntarily retain one's urine and feces.Individuals who are incontinent are unable to voluntarily retain theirbodily discharges and, instead, urinate and defecate reflexively. Forexample, newborn babies are incontinent. Coincident with the developmentof continence, children typically develop the ability to voluntarilyurinate and defecate, and cease reflexive elimination. This developmentof continence and of voluntary elimination, in place of reflexiveelimination, may be accelerated and/or guided by caregivers throughassociative and conditioning techniques of training the child. For thepurpose of the present disclosure, the term “toilet training” is used todenote training both for continence, itself, and for the voluntaryelimination that is associated with continence. It is also noted thatthe term “toilet training” is synonymous with the term “potty training”.

The term “longitudinal” refers to a direction running parallel to themaximum linear dimension of the article and includes directions within±45° of the longitudinal direction.

The term “lateral” or “transverse” refers to a direction running at a 90degree angle to the longitudinal direction and includes directionswithin ±45° of the lateral direction.

The term “x-y plane” refers to the generally planar structure of a sheetmaterial defined by its length and width and lies between the sheetmaterial's two major surfaces regardless of whether or not the sheetmaterial is flat or curved.

The term “z-direction” refers to the direction through the thickness ofa sheet material and generally orthogonal to the x-y plane.

The term “attached” refers to elements being connected or united byfastening, adhering, bonding, etc. by any method suitable for theelements being attached together and their constituent materials. Manysuitable methods for attaching elements together are well-known,including adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, thermal bonding,mechanical fastening, etc. Such attachment methods may be used to attachelements together over a particular area either continuously orintermittently.

The term “cohesive” refers to the property of a material that sticks toitself but does not to any significant degree stick to other materials.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” refer respectively to the location ofan element relatively near to or far from the center of a structure,e.g., the proximal edge of a longitudinally extending element is locatednearer to the longitudinal axis than the distal edge of the same elementis located relative to the same longitudinal axis.

The terms “interior” and “exterior” refer respectively to the locationof an element that is intended to be placed against or toward the bodyof a wearer when an absorbent article is worn and the location of anelement that is intended to be placed against or toward any clothingthat is worn over the absorbent article. Synonyms for “interior” and“exterior” include, respectively, “inner” and “outer”, as well as“inside” and “outside”. Also, when the absorbent article is orientedsuch that its interior faces upward, e.g., when it is laid out inpreparation for setting the wearer on top of it, synonyms include“upper” and “lower” and “top” and “bottom”, respectively.

The terms “water-permeable” and “water-impermeable” refer to thepenetrability of materials in the context of the intended usage ofdisposable absorbent articles. Specifically, the term “water-permeable”refers to a layer or a layered structure having pores, openings, and/orinterconnected void spaces that permit liquid water to pass through itsthickness in the absence of a forcing pressure. Conversely, the term“water-impermeable” refers to a layer or a layered structure through thethickness of which liquid water cannot pass in the absence of a forcingpressure. A layer or a layered structure that is water-impermeableaccording to this definition may be permeable to water vapor, i.e., maybe “water vapor-permeable”. Such a water vapor-permeable layer orlayered structure is commonly known in the art as “breathable”. As iswell known in the art, a common method for measuring the permeability towater of the materials typically used in absorbent articles is ahydrostatic pressure test, also called a hydrostatic head test or simplya “hydrohead” test. Suitable well known compendial methods for hydroheadtesting are approved by INDA (formerly the International Nonwovens andDisposables Association, now The Association of the Nonwoven FabricsIndustry and EDANA (European Disposables And Nonwovens Association).

The term “retard” refers to the hindrance or the prevention of the flowof liquid water. In the context of the term “flow control layer”, bothterms together refer to the fact that different layers in a layeredstructure may be water-permeable, yet differ in the respective flowrates at which they permit liquid water, and likewise bodily wastes thatare aqueous in nature, to pass through their respective thicknesses. Forexample, a layer containing capillary channels and through whosethickness liquid water wicks in the absence of any forcing pressure isconsidered to be water-permeable. However, the flow rate at which liquidwater can pass through the thickness of such a layer may be lower thanthe flow rate at which liquid water can pass through the thickness of alayer containing holes that are too large to act as capillary channels.Similarly, two layers both containing capillary channels and throughwhose thicknesses liquid water wicks in the absence of any forcingpressure are both considered to be water-permeable. However, thecapillary channels in one of the layers may differ in size from those inthe other layer or may be more numerous than those in the other layer,such that the wicking flow rate of liquid water through the one layermay be greater than that through the other layer. Thus, in a layeredstructure, one layer serving as a flow control layer may retard thepassage of liquid water through the thickness of the layered structure,relative to the greater flow rate at which another of the layers wouldpermit the passage of the liquid water through its thickness in theabsence of the flow control layer. It is noted that when the flowcontrol layer is water-impermeable, it effectively prevents the passageof liquid water through its thickness in the absence of a forcingpressure, i.e., the prevention of the passage of liquid water isincluded within the meaning of the term “retard”.

The term “visible” refers to the quality of being capable of being seenby the naked eye under conditions of normal room lighting or in naturallight during the daytime. Becoming “more visible” or “less visible”means changing in visibility to a noticeable extent when viewed under agenerally constant or equal lighting condition.

The term “visible highlighting” refers to the visible differentiation ofan object such that it noticeably stands out from its surroundings,e.g., by differing in coloration, hue, or tint, by differing inlightness, darkness, or contrast, by differing due to the presence orabsence of graphical or solid color forms, or by any other variationserving to create noticeable visible differentiation.

The term “coloring” refers to the effect produced by applying orcombining colors in and/or on an object or a portion of an object.

The term “coloration” refers to the arrangement or degree of coloringespecially when used to visibly differentiate an object or a portion ofan object in order to visibly highlight it.

The term “solid coloring” refers to the unbroken, i.e., uninterrupted,coloring of an area as contrasted with the discrete line-like form ofsome graphics.

The term “graphic” refers to a product of graphic art or a graphicrepresentation in a pictorial form. A graphic may be a symbol, shape,image, text, or other form of indica.

The term “associative correlation” refers to establishing a mutual orreciprocal relation between the visible highlighting and that with whichit is being associatively correlated so that an association, i.e. amental connection or bond, is formed between the two. This term is usedin the context of associatively correlating the respective visible formsof the visible highlighting and an externally visible graphics in or onthe absorbent article as well as in the context of associativelycorrelating the visible highlighting or graphics with the concept ofurinary toilet training, For example, associatively correlated graphicsmay serve in concert to draw attention to an opportunity for urinarytoilet training when an absorbent article is viewed prior to its beingworn, to provide an externally visible reminder of the presence of thewetness sensation member in the interior of the absorbent article whileit is being worn, etc. Similarly, visible highlighting that provides avisual reference to a topic related to urinary toilet training, such asdryness, wetness, or protection from wetness, may serve to associativelycorrelate the visible highlighting to the concept of urinary toilettraining and thereby facilitate an opportunity for urinary toilettraining.

The terms “interactively interrelated”, “interactively unrelated”,“related in subject matter”, “unrelated in subject matter”, and “relatedby a common story line” are intended to have the same meanings as inU.S. Pat. No. 6,297,424 issued to Olson et al. on 2 Oct. 2001, U.S. Pat.No. 6,635,797 issued to Olson, et al. on 21 Oct. 2003, and U.S. Pat. No.6,307,119 issued to Cammarota et al. on 23 Oct. 2001.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary disposable absorbent article 20 inits flat out, uncontracted state, i.e., without elastic-inducedcontraction, with portions of the structure being cut away to moreclearly show the underlying structure of the disposable absorbentarticle 20 and with the portion of the disposable absorbent article 20which contacts the wearer facing the viewer (i.e., showing the interioror inner side of the article). The disposable absorbent article 20 has alongitudinal axis 42 and a transverse axis 44. One end portion of thedisposable absorbent article 20 is configured as a first waist region 36of the disposable absorbent article 20. The opposite end portion isconfigured as a second waist region 38 of the disposable absorbentarticle 20. The waist regions 36 and 38 generally comprise thoseportions of the disposable absorbent article 20 which, when worn,encircle the waist of the wearer. The waist regions 36 and 38 mayinclude elastic elements such that they gather about the waist of thewearer to provide improved fit and containment. An intermediate portionof the disposable absorbent article 20 is configured as a crotch region37, which extends longitudinally between the first and second waistregions 36 and 38. The crotch region 37 is that portion of thedisposable absorbent article 20 which, when the disposable absorbentarticle 20 is worn, is generally positioned between the legs of thewearer. The disposable absorbent article 20 has a laterally extendingfirst waist edge 136 in the first waist region 36 and a longitudinallyopposing and laterally extending second waist edge 138 in the secondwaist region 38. The disposable absorbent article 20 has a first sideedge 137 and a laterally opposing second side edge 139, both side edgesextending longitudinally between the first waist edge 136 and the secondwaist edge 138. The portion of the first side edge 137 in the firstwaist region 36 is designated 137 a, the portion in the crotch region 37is designated 137 b, and the portion in the second waist region 38 isdesignated 137 c. The corresponding portions of the second side edge 139are designated 139 a, 139 b, and 139 b, respectively.

The disposable absorbent article 20 preferably comprises awater-permeable topsheet 24, a water-impermeable backsheet 26, and anabsorbent assembly 28 encased between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet26. The topsheet 24 may be fully or partially elasticated or may beforeshortened so as to provide a void space between the topsheet 24 andthe core 28 and/or to tend to draw the wetness sensation member 50against the skin of the wearer. Exemplary structures includingelasticized or foreshortened topsheets are described in more detail inU.S. Pat. No. 4,892,536 issued to DesMarais et al. on Jan. 9, 1990, U.S.Pat. No. 4,990,147 issued to Freeland on Feb. 5, 1991, U.S. Pat. No.5,037,416 issued to Allen et al. on Aug. 6, 1991, and U.S. Pat. No.5,269,775 issued to Freeland et al. on Dec. 14, 1993.

The disposable absorbent article 20 may include a variety of featuresknown in the art, such as outer leg cuffs, barrier leg cuffs, front andrear ear panels, waist cap features, elastics, and the like to providedesired fit, containment, and aesthetic characteristics. Such additionalfeatures are well known in the art and are described in U.S. Pat. No.3,860,003 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092, among others.

The exemplary disposable absorbent article 20 includes refastenable sideseams 40 that can be used to fasten the waist regions together at thesides to apply the article like a diaper and that can also be used toconfigure the article like a pair of pull-on training pants, asdescribed in more detail below. Alternatively, the disposable absorbentarticle 20 may by sealed at the sides.

The disposable absorbent article 20 may include a wetness sensationmember. Several suitable structures for a wetness sensation member aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,627,786 issued on 30 Sep. 2003 in the nameof Roe et al. An exemplary wetness sensation member is shown in FIG. 2.The wetness sensation member 50 comprises a water-permeable body-facinglayer (upper layer) 52 and a flow control layer 54 disposed in aface-to-face arrangement with the water-permeable layer 52. The flowcontrol layer is preferably impermeable to liquid water but permeable tovapor so that it is breathable. Preferably, but not necessarily, someportion of the wetness sensation member and/or a layer to which thewetness sensation member is attached is configured to draw the wetnesssensation member toward the skin of the wearer, such as by beingelastically foreshortened, formed to have a lesser length than anotherlayer disposed relatively exteriorly, etc.

During insults of urine, the water-permeable layer allows urine topenetrate in the z-direction and also provides a medium for the flow ofurine in the x-y plane via wicking. The flow control layer retards thepassage of the urine through the wetness sensation member in thez-direction, thereby expanding the wetted area of the wetness sensationmember, which preferably is held in contact with the wearer's skin. Thecombination of limited penetration in the z-direction and wicking in thex-y plane causes the urine to spread out and effectively wet a largearea before being absorbed into the absorbent assembly, therebymaximizing the wetness signal experienced by the wearer.

Exemplary water-permeable layers suitable for use in the wetnesssensation members include nonwovens, foams, woven materials, etc. Thewater-permeable layer is preferably hydrophilic. Exemplary flow controllayers suitable for use in the wetness sensation members includepolyolefinic films, microporous or breathable films, other films, andhydrophobic nonwovens. Suitable hydrophobic nonwovens include SM(spunbond meltblown), SMS (spunbond meltblown spunbond), and SMMS(spunbond meltblown meltblown spunbond) composites.

The disposable absorbent article 20 may include visible highlighting inthe interior of the article to indicate the presence of the wetnesssensation member or members and thereby facilitate an opportunity forthe urinary toilet training of the wearer of the article. Such visiblehighlighting is described in co-pending and commonly assigned U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/697,225 filed on 30 Oct. 2003 in the nameof Davis et al. Although a wetness sensation member lacking this visiblehighlighting is fully functional in terms of providing a noticeablewetness signal to the wearer, the caregiver might overlook or forget thepossibility of capitalizing on each opportunity for urinary toilettraining if the body-facing portion of the absorbent article presents agenerally uniform appearance, such as in absorbent articles that presenta generally uniform white appearance on their body-facing surfaces.

Furthermore, once the caregiver decides to mention urinary toilettraining to the wearer, the visible highlighting can serve to draw thewearer's interest or can be pointed out by the caregiver andincorporated into an explanation of the upcoming opportunity. Thus, thevisible highlighting can provide a topic for conversation between thecaregiver and the wearer on the subject of urinary toilet training andcan likewise provide a nameable object for reference by the wearer,greatly simplifying the mental task required of the wearer who desiresto communicate his or her need to go to the toilet or to communicate hisor her improving recognition of the wetness signal provided by thewetness sensation member.

Even a simple solid coloring form of visible highlighting can serve tofacilitate an opportunity for urinary toilet training, especially whenused with wearers possessing some recognition of colors or coloredforms. In addition, visible highlighting in the form of a color orcolors may facilitate the teaching of recognition of colors anddifferences between colors, and the associated learning may enhance theurinary toilet training process in turn.

Because the wetness sensation member is located in what may be generallytermed the laterally central region of the absorbent article, visiblyhighlighting the wetness sensation member may provide additionalbenefits related to the learning achieved by the wearer. For example, avisibly highlighted wetness sensation member may provide a line ofreference for the visual separation of the two leg openings, includingtheir differentiation into right and left leg openings for therespective feet to be inserted into the corresponding leg openings.Similarly, a longitudinally oriented visible highlighting may serve as avisual reference for the front to back direction, both for orienting thearticle prior to applying it, if done by the caregiver, or prior todonning it, if done by the wearer. This longitudinally oriented visualreference may also aid in the teaching of such skills as wiping one'sself clean after using the toilet by using a longitudinal motion. Theconcept of something being central or “in the middle” may be taught andlearned by visual reference to the visible highlighting and this conceptmay then be applied to related subjects, such as the anatomical locationof the source of urine and the corresponding proper position in which tosit on the toilet. Thus, in the above and similar ways, the wearer canbe made more aware of his or her own body, which may tend to enhance andfacilitate the urinary toilet training experience.

In addition, the visible highlighting can serve to enhance theself-esteem of the wearer through a reminder that he or she is matureenough to be engaged in urinary toilet training. This effect can becompounded when the wearer succeeds in recognizing the need to go to thetoilet and then sees the dry condition of the visibly highlightedwetness sensation member inside the article after pulling it down.

The visible highlighting may be provided by means of printing onto asurface of the wetness sensation member or one of its layers. Forexample, solid coloring or a graphic may be printed onto a surface ofthe flow control layer underlying the water-permeable layer. As anotherexample, an adhesive or a gel may be printed onto a surface of either ofthe two layers. Such an adhesive or gel may be colored differently fromthe surrounding area. Alternatively, the adhesive or gel may beuncolored or may have the same color as the surrounding area, but maystill provide visible highlighting by forming a distinctive raised areaor pattern and/or by surrounding a distinctive recessed area or pattern.

The visible highlighting may also be provided by forming one or morelayers of the wetness sensation member of a colored material, forexample, a fibrous layer containing colored fibers, a monolithic layercontaining a dispersed or imbedded colorant, a layer of an unbleachedmaterial that is colored in its virgin state, and so on.

In some embodiments, the visible highlighting may be provided byimpressing or embossing the wetness sensation member or one of itlayers. The impressed, embossed, or bonded portions of the wetnesssensation member may provide a tactile sensation in addition to visiblyhighlighting the presence and location of the wetness sensation member.For instance, a raised area or a recessed area or the combination ofraised and recessed areas adjacent to each other may be felt by the handand, in some embodiments, may be felt by the wearer while wearing thearticle. Similarly, the raised area or pattern formed by a printedadhesive or gel, as mentioned above, may provide such a tactilesensation. Just as with the visible highlighting alone, the combinationof visible highlighting and this tactile sensation can serve to draw thewearer's interest or can be pointed out by the caregiver andincorporated into an explanation of the upcoming opportunity for urinarytoilet training.

In addition, the visible highlighting may be provided by incorporatingdistinctive fibers or filaments in one or both layers of the wetnesssensation member or by distinctively orienting fibers or filaments inone of these layers. For example, a fiber or a filament of a distinctivecolor may be incorporated into the flow control material to visiblyhighlight its presence and its location in the article. Similarly, adistinctively thicker fiber or filament may be embedded in one of thetwo layers and thereby form a distinctive raised area or pattern.

If the portions of the structure of the absorbent article surroundingthe wetness sensation member are of one color, the visible highlightingcan be provided by the use of another color, by the use of contrast, bythe use of a different pattern in the same or a similar color, or by anyother method that visibly differentiates the wetness sensation memberfrom the surrounding structural elements.

In some embodiments, the visible highlighting may include more than onecolor, more than one difference in contrast, more than one pattern, morethan one graphic, more than one area of solid coloring, and so on, suchthat all portions of this description referring to the singular of aform of visible highlighting are meant to include the plural, and viceversa.

The visible highlighting may include open or closed geometric figures, atwo dimensional representation of a three dimensional object, arepresentation of a commonly named or nameable shape or object, arepresentation of a recognizable object used in play, and/or arepresentation of a character that may be known to the wearer, such as ateddy bear, a character appearing on a television show for children, acharacter appearing in a game or a storybook for children, etc. Inembodiments in which the visible highlighting includes a variety offigures, objects, and/or characters, the various elements of the visiblehighlighting may be interactively interrelated, related by subjectmatter, and/or related by a common story line. Conversely, the variouselements may be interactively unrelated, unrelated by subject matter,and/or not related by a common story line.

When solid coloring is used, it may partially or completely fill thearea bounded by a graphic outline, appear as shading inside or outsidesuch a graphic outline, itself form a “filled-in” graphic, or simplyuninterruptedly occupy an area, e.g., occupy the entire width of a layerof the wetness sensation member over all or a portion of thecorresponding length.

In some embodiments, the visible highlighting may become more or lessvisible when the wetness sensation member is wetted. In addition, thevisible highlighting may change color when the wetness sensation memberis wetted. Any of these effects may be created by the use of inks ordyes or other agents that undergo chemical reactions or are dispersed orconcentrated when wetted by urine. In general, any of the wetnessindicating compositions commonly used in externally visible wetnessindicators, such as so-called “appearing” or “disappearing” wetnessindicators that may become more or less visible when wetted and inwetness indicators that may change color when wetted, may be used forthese versions of visible highlighting.

It is important to note that rather than being structurally disposed insuch a way as to provide a wetness indication that is visible from theoutside of the absorbent article, any wetness indicating compositionsused for the visible highlighting of the wetness sensation member mustbe visible from the body-facing surface of the absorbent article. Thisdifferent disposition enables the caregiver to apply differenttechniques to the task of urinary toilet training when using anabsorbent article of the present disclosure, as compared to using anabsorbent article having only a wetness indicator visible from theoutside of the article. For example, while the change in an exteriorwetness indicator is visible for all to see, any change in the visiblehighlighting of an interior wetness sensation member remains “private”until either the caregiver or the wearer peers into the absorbentarticle or it is removed. Therefore, whether or not any wetting of theabsorbent article has occurred can, itself, become the focus of aplayful activity resembling a game, with the “secret” being revealedonly when the caregiver and the wearer agree to conclude the game. Ifthe wearer notices a sensation of wetness or merely desires to check thecondition of the “private” indication, he or she can simply look insidethe absorbent article. If the appearance of the visible highlighting haschanged, the wearer can then choose to bring this to the attention ofthe caregiver in the context of asking to go to the bathroom. Inaddition, because the visible highlighting serves as a “private”indication, the wearer might be able to detect a change in itsappearance before the appearance of any externally visible wetnessindicator changes and thereby be the first person to mention the subjectof going to the toilet. Furthermore, the provision of both visual andtactile sensations to the wearer may serve to reinforce the tactilesensation of wetness and thereby enhance the training effect of thewetness sensation member. An absorbent article in which the wetting isindicated by both a wetness sensation and a visible change in theappearance of the visible highlighting may thus facilitate fasterlearning on the part of the wearer.

Although the appearance of the visible highlighting remains “private”until either the caregiver or the wearer peers into the absorbentarticle or it is removed, the visible highlighting may be associativelycorrelated in visible form with marking that is located elsewhere in oron the absorbent article and is visible from the outside of theabsorbent article. This externally visible marking may be permanent ormay change in appearance while the absorbent article is being worn. Forexample, the externally visible marking may be an externally visiblewetness indicator. By giving the visible highlighting of the wetnesssensation member a visible form that is similar to the visible form ofan externally visible marking, an opportunity for urinary toilettraining may be enhanced. For instance, the caregiver can point out thesimilarity between the externally visible marking and the “private”visible highlighting of the wetness sensation member and ask the wearerto remember the hidden visible highlighting every time he or she noticesthe externally visible marking.

Even in embodiments in which the appearance of the visible highlightingis not affected by its being wetted, the associative correlation of therespective visible forms of an externally visible marking and thevisible highlighting may serve to facilitate an opportunity for urinarytoilet training. For example, if both the externally visible marking andthe visible highlighting have the visible form of similar graphics, theexternally visible marking can serve to draw the wearer's interest orcan be pointed out by the caregiver and incorporated into an explanationof the ongoing opportunity for urinary toilet training.

Such associative correlation of the respective visible forms of anexternally visible marking and the visible highlighting can be achievedwithout the respective visible forms being similar, so long as therespective visible forms are mutually related in a recognizable way. Forexample, the visible forms may be related in subject matter and/or maybe related by a common story line and/or be interactively interrelated.Even an associative correlation of a simple solid coloring form of anexternally visible marking with a similar solid coloring form of visiblehighlighting can serve to facilitate an opportunity for urinary toilettraining, especially when used with wearers possessing some recognitionof colors or colored forms.

Alternatively, the visible highlighting may be associativelyuncorrelated with any externally visible marking. The lack ofassociative correlation may be complete or may be specific, e.g., therespective visible forms of the visible highlighting and the externallyvisible marking may be unrelated in subject matter, not related by acommon story line, and/or interactively unrelated, while still beingassociatively correlated in another way.

The visible form of the visible highlighting of the wetness sensationmember need not be associatively correlated with the concept of urinarytoilet training. However, in some embodiments, the visible form of thevisible highlighting may be associatively correlated with the concept ofurinary toilet training by, for example, providing a visual reference tothe liquid-related nature of urinary toilet training, such as wetness,dryness, protection from wetness, the flow of a liquid, water, etcetera, and thus may serve to facilitate an opportunity for urinarytoilet training.

The visible highlighting may emphasize dryness by depicting the sun,fair weather clouds, a sunny day, etc., while wetness may be referencedby a depiction of a water puddle, a cloud with falling rain, etc. Avisual reference to protection from wetness may be provided by adepiction of an umbrella, a raincoat, a rain hat, galoshes, a submarine,or some other object that may be associated by the wearer with theconcept of staying dry in a wet environment.

In any of these visible forms of visible highlighting that areassociatively correlated with the concept of urinary toilet training, ahuman form and/or a recognizable character may be depicted in thevisible highlighting. For example, a child may be shown in conjunctionwith inanimate objects, a child may be shown sitting on a potty chair,and/or a character from a children's storybook or a children'stelevision program may be shown in similar poses, etc.

The wetness sensation member according to the present disclosure may bearranged in an absorbent article in a variety of configurations. Inaddition, absorbent articles may include a single wetness sensationmember or a plurality of wetness sensation members. In any event, thewetness sensation member(s) are preferably a part of, or attached to, anelement or web, such as a topsheet, which is reliably held against theskin of the wearer. The wetness sensation member may extend over aportion of the disposable absorbent article spanning less than one halfof the length of the article or else extend over a substantial part ofthe article spanning more than one half the length of the article. Inaddition, the wetness sensation member(s) are preferably positionedwithin the absorbent article to enhance the likelihood of being wettedwith urine.

The wetness sensation member may also be releasably attached to orreleasably engaged with the remainder of the absorbent article. In sucha configuration, the wetness sensation member may be optionally removedfrom the absorbent article if the wetness sensation functionality is notdesired. Such releasable attachment may be accomplished by a variety ofknown attachment means including adhesives, cohesives, ultrasonicbonding, thermal bonding, mechanical fasteners, or the like.

An exemplary embodiment of a disposable absorbent article 20 including awetness sensation member 50 disposed with the topsheet 24 is illustratedin FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b . The wetness sensation member in this embodimentis a separate composite member attached to the topsheet. The wetnesssensation member comprises a water-permeable body-facing layer 52 and aflow control layer 54 disposed in a face-to-face arrangement with thebody-facing layer. The visible highlighting 200 is shown in FIG. 3a asan exemplary pattern of wavy lines and circles.

In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the wetness sensation member 50has elastic properties and includes a first longitudinal end 70 attachedto the first waist region 36 and a second longitudinal end 72 attachedto the second waist region 38. In addition, a center portion 74 of themember 50 is preferably attached to the crotch region 37 in order tostabilize the member and facilitate fitting the article to the wearer,prevent interference with bowel movements and ensure good contact withthe wearer's skin.

In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b , the flowcontrol layer 54 of the wetness sensation member 50 is attached to theinner surface of the topsheet 24 such that a portion of the topsheet 24serves as the water-permeable layer 52 of the wetness sensation member50. For this embodiment, the topsheet 24 is preferably elasticallyforeshortened to deflect the wetness sensation member 50 into contactwith the wearer's skin. Alternatively, this embodiment may include atopsheet that is shorter in length than the backsheet, having thelongitudinal ends of the topsheet contiguous with the longitudinal endsof the backsheet so that as the disposable absorbent article is fittedaround the wearer, the topsheet is forced into contact with the wearer'sskin. The visible highlighting 200 is shown in FIG. 5a as an exemplarypattern of heart shapes.

Absorbent articles according to the present disclosure may include aplurality of wetness sensation members disposed on the body-facingsurface of the article. An example of an embodiment providing aplurality of wetness sensation members is shown in FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b .Two flow control layers 54 a and 54 b are attached to the bottom surfaceof the topsheet 24 forming two wetness sensation members 50 a and 50 b.For this embodiment, the flow control layers 54 a and 54 b are disposedbetween the topsheet and the absorbent assembly 28 so that the topsheetserves as the water-permeable layers 52 of the wetness sensationmembers. The two flow control layers 54 a and 54 b are disposed parallelto and spaced apart from the longitudinal centerline 42 of thedisposable absorbent article 20. The spacing is determined to allowenough liquid to pass through to the core so as to prevent flooding thatcan result in leakage of the absorbent article during urination, whileat the same time allowing enough liquid to flow and wick toward the flowcontrol layers forming the wetness sensation members. The spacingbetween the flow control layers can be about 10 mm but can range fromabout 5 mm to about 15 mm and from about 8 mm and to about 12 mm.Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b has only twowetness sensation members, other absorbent article embodiments havingthree or more wetness sensation members are contemplated. The visiblehighlighting 200 is shown in FIG. 6a as an exemplary pattern of oblongovaloid shapes.

As shown in FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b , the spacing of the flow control layersprovides room for an elongated slit opening 80 in the topsheet 24. Theelongated slit opening 80 is adapted to receive feces from the wearerand isolate the same from the wearer's skin. The elasticized regions 82a and 82 b located adjacent to the slit opening 80 maintain alignment ofthe slit opening with the wearer's anus during use. The elasticizedregions may also deflect the wetness sensation members toward thewearer's skin to maintain contact therewith during use. Exemplaryelasticized topsheets including elongated slit openings are disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,482,191 issued 19 Nov. 2002 in the name of Roe et al.Alternatively, the flow control layers 54 a and 54 b of the wetnesssensation members may be elastically foreshortened to provide benefitssimilar to those provided by the elasticized regions disposed in thetopsheet.

In another alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b , thetopsheet 24 serves as the water-permeable layer 52 similar to theprevious embodiment. However, the flow control layers 54 a and 54 b aredisposed in two parallel oppositely facing Z-folds 90 a and 90 b formedin the topsheet 24 along the longitudinal length of the disposableabsorbent article 20, thus forming two wetness sensation members 50 aand 50 b. The Z-folded topsheet may be attached to the underlying layersalong the longitudinal edges of the topsheet 24, thus allowing theportion of the topsheet between the Z-folds to float freely.Longitudinally extending elastic elements 92 a and 92 b are disposedalong the flow control layers 54 a and 54 b in order to deflect thecenter portion of the Z-folded topsheet away from the absorbent assembly28. The elastic elements may be disposed along the outer edges of theflow control layers 54 a and 54 b as shown in FIG. 7b , oralternatively, may be disposed in a face-to-face arrangement with theflow control layers. The combination of the Z-folded topsheet and theelastic elements maintains the wetness sensation members in contact withthe wearer's skin in the event that the disposable absorbent articlesags or fits loosely around the wearer. The visible highlighting 200 isshown in FIG. 7a as an exemplary pattern of star shapes.

In order to prevent the portion of the topsheet between the Z-folds frombeing forced into the gluteal groove and from interfering with thebarrier leg cuffs, which are not shown in FIG. 7a or FIG. 7b , thespacing between the Z-folds can be about 65 mm and can range from about50 mm to about 90 mm. Further, in order to control the deflection of theportion of the topsheet between the Z-folds, transverse bonds may beformed between the Z-folds in the first waist region, the second waistregion and the crotch region using adhesives, ultrasonic bonds, radiofrequency bonds, or other suitable means in order to control deflection.These transverse bonds may attach the Z-folded section to thebody-facing surface of the topsheet and the section between the Z-foldsto the underlying core.

As an alternative to a portion of the topsheet serving as a layer of awetness sensation member, other components of the disposable absorbentarticle such as the barrier leg cuffs may serve as such a layer. Thebarrier leg cuffs may be made from either water-permeable orwater-impermeable material. In either case, the barrier leg cuffmaterial may serve as one of the layers of the wetness sensation member.In such exemplary embodiments, the structure of the barrier leg cuffspreferably holds the wetness sensation members in contact with the skinof the wearer to provide the sensation of wetness against the wearer'slegs and/or crotch crease.

An exemplary embodiment in which barrier leg cuffs serve as layers ofthe wetness sensation members is shown in FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b . Thedisposable absorbent article 20 for this embodiment includes barrier legcuffs 100 a and 100 b made from water-impermeable material and a portionof each barrier leg cuff serves as the flow control layer of therespective wetness sensation member. The water-permeable layer 110 canextend the length of each of the barrier leg cuffs and preferablyextends at least the length of the crotch region 37 and the front waistregion 36. The water-permeable layer 110 is preferably disposed onportions of the cuff closest to the longitudinal axis 42 of thedisposable absorbent article 20 to increase the likelihood of becomingwetted during urination. As shown in FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b , the barrierleg cuffs 100 a and 100 b include elastic elements 108 a and 108 b,which serve to deflect the leg cuffs away from the topsheet 24 towardthe skin of the wearer. The visible highlighting 200 is shown in FIG. 8aas an exemplary pattern of angled lines.

Another exemplary embodiment in which barrier leg cuffs serve as layersof the wetness sensation members is shown in FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b . Inthis embodiment, the barrier leg cuffs 100 a and 100 b are made of awater-permeable material and are otherwise arranged similarly to theembodiment shown in FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b . However, because the barrierleg cuff material serves as the water-permeable body-facing layer ofeach of the wetness sensations members 150 a and 150 b in thisembodiment, flow control layers 54 a and 54 b are located between theabsorbent assembly and each respective water-permeable layer formed bythe barrier leg cuff material. The visible highlighting 200 is shown inFIG. 9a as an exemplary pattern of oval shapes.

The embodiments of wetness sensation members disclosed hereunder performmost effectively when held in contact with the skin of the wearer. Inorder to ensure that contact is made with the wearer's skin during use,the body-facing portion of the wetness sensation members may include abody-adhering composition, such as a topical adhesive, which acts tohold the wetness sensation member in place during use. The body-adheringcomposition may be applied to at least a portion of the body-facingsurface of the wetness sensation member. However, the body-adheringcomposition may also be integral with the material making up thebody-facing layer of the wetness sensation member. Further, thebody-adhering composition may be disposed on any portion of the wetnesssensation member contacting the skin of the wearer in any pattern orconfiguration including, but not limited to lines, stripes, dots, andthe like. Such a body-adhering composition may include any of one ormore substances capable of releasable adhering to the skin of thewearer, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,231,369, 4,593,053,4,699,146, 4,738,257, 5,726,250, 4,078,568, 4,140,115, 4,192,785,4,393,080, 4,505,976, 4,551,490, 4,768,503, 5,614,586, and 5,674,275,and in the PCT Application published as WO 94/13235 A1.

As previously mentioned, the exemplary disposable absorbent article 20includes refastenable side seams that can be used to fasten the waistregions together at the sides to apply the article like a diaper ontothe body of the wearer and that can also be used to configure thearticle like a pair of pull-on training pants. The refastenable sideseams can be fastened by the user before the article is applied onto thebody of the wearer and the article can then be applied like a pair ofpull-on training pants. The refastenable side seams can be opened andrefastened after the article is applied onto the body of the wearer inorder to gain access for the inspection of the interior of the articleand/or to adjust its fit while being worn. Of course, the side seams canalso be opened for the ultimate removal of the article for disposal, asan alternative to leaving the article in the form of a pair of trainingpants and pulling it downward over the legs and feet for removal. Therefastenable side seams also facilitate the pre-configuration of thearticle in the form of a pair of training pants prior to the point ofsale to the consumer, if such a pre-fastened presentation is desired bythe manufacturer, distributor, and/or retailer, while still providingthe user with the alternative of opening the side seams in preparationfor applying the article like a diaper.

An example of refastenable side seams 40 is shown in FIG. 10. In thisembodiment, a primary fastening component 43 is disposed on the interiorof the disposable absorbent article 20 in the second waist region 38adjacent to the portion 137 c of the first side edge and another primaryfastening component 43 is disposed on the interior of the disposableabsorbent article 20 in the second waist region adjacent to the portion139 c of the second side edge. The portion 137 c of the side edge isshown in an open condition, such as prior to closing and fastening orafter being reopened. The portion 139 c of the opposing side edge isshown fastened, i.e., forming a pants configuration. In FIG. 10, thesecond waist region 38 overlaps the first waist region 36 when they arefastened together. Alternatively, the primary fastening components 43may be disposed on the interior of the article 20 in the first waistregion 36 such that the first waist region 36 overlaps the second waistregion 38 when they are fastened together. In addition, the primaryfastening components 43 may be disposed on the exterior of the article20 rather than on the interior.

The primary fastening component may be formed of any material and in anyform that will releasably attach to the mating surface of the opposingwaist region when pressed against it. For example, the primary fasteningcomponent may be a mechanical fastener that releasably engages with themating surface, such as by means of a plurality of hooks engaging withloops formed by fibers in a nonwoven sheet. Alternatively, the primaryfastening component may be an adhesive that releasably adheres to themating surface.

As described in more detail below, the primary fastening component mayalso interact with a discrete mating fastening component. For example, amechanical primary fastening component containing hooks may engage witha discrete mating fastening component containing loops. Similarly, anadhesive primary fastening component may adhere to a discrete matingfastening sheet that is specifically selected for good adhesion. Alsosimilarly, a cohesive primary fastening component may cohere to a matingcohesive fastening component. Each of the fastening components may haveany suitable shape, such as rectangular, circular, ovaloid, undulating,etc. The shape may be chosen according to various criteria, such as tomaximize or minimize the area of the fastening component, to impart aparticular appearance to the fastening component, to distribute thestresses and forces to which the fastening component is subjected whenthe article is worn in a particular way, etc.

Another example of refastenable side seams is shown in FIG. 11. In thisembodiment, the primary fastening components 43 are disposed on theexterior of the disposable absorbent article 20 in the first waistregion adjacent to the portions 13 a and 139 a of the respective sideedges. Discrete mating fastening components 45 are correspondinglydisposed on the interior of the article 20 in the second waist region 38adjacent to the portions 137 c and 139 c of the respective side edges.In addition, secondary fastening components 46 are disposed laterallyadjacent to the primary fastening components 43.

When both primary fastening components and discrete mating fasteningcomponents are present, their disposition relative to the interior andexterior of the disposable absorbent article is generallyinterchangeable, i.e., they may be disposed as shown in FIG. 11 or theprimary fastening component may be disposed interiorly and the matingfastening component may be disposed interiorly. Similarly, theirdisposition relative to the first waist region and the second waistregion is generally interchangeable, i.e., they may be disposed suchthat the second waist region 38 overlaps the first waist region 36 whenthey are fastened together as shown in FIG. 11 or they may be disposedsuch that the first waist region 36 overlaps the second waist region 38when they are fastened together. In addition, the secondary fasteningcomponents may be disposed adjacent to the primary fastening componentsand on the same surface as the primary fastening components, as shown inFIG. 11, or may be disposed on a mating surface and/or adjacent to adiscrete mating fastening component. In general, as is apparent from theabove description, the initial disposition(s) of the primary fasteningcomponent(s) is (are) not critical, so long as the opposing waistregions can be fastened together in an overlapped configuration tosandwich the fastening component(s) between them.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 12, each of the secondaryfastening components serves to fasten the overlapping portions of thewaist regions together adjacent to the releasable attachment formed bythe adjacent primary and the mating fastening components. When disposedbetween the primary fastening component 43 and the portion 137 c of theside edge that exteriorly overlaps in the fastened side seam 40, asshown in FIG. 12, the secondary fastening component may restrict and/orprevent direct lateral access to the primary fastening component andthereby help protect against the opening of the side seams by a childwho is wearing the disposable absorbent article. In order to enhancethis protection, the secondary fastening component may overlap theprimary fastening component in addition to being disposed between it andthe exteriorly overlapped side edge, thereby eliminating any laterallyextending gap between the two, into which a finger could be inserted topry the overlapping waist region loose from the overlapped waist region.Alternatively or in addition, a secondary fastening component may bedisposed between the side edge that is interiorly overlapped and theprimary fastening component, i.e., laterally symmetrically opposite thesecondary fastening component shown in FIG. 12.

Alternatively or in addition, a secondary fastening component may bedisposed between the primary fastening component and the adjacent waistedge and/or between the primary fastening component and the crotchregion. Such a longitudinally adjacent disposition of the secondaryfastening component relative to the primary fastener in the fastenedside seam may more effectively restrict the access to the primaryfastener than only a laterally adjacent disposition. Also, the secondaryfastening component may be disposed both laterally adjacent andlongitudinally adjacent to the primary fastener. For example, thesecondary fastening component 46 shown in FIG. 13 extends around threesides of the primary fastening component 43 so as to be disposed betweenthe primary fastening component and each of the exteriorly overlappingside edge portion 137 c, the adjacent waist edge 136, and the crotchregion 37, when the side seam is fastened. As an alternative to acontinuously extending secondary fastening component like that shown inFIG. 13, more than one discrete secondary fastening component and/or asegmented secondary fastening component may be provided. For example, adiscrete laterally adjacent longitudinally extending secondary fastenerlike that in FIG. 11 may be provided in combination with one or morediscrete longitudinally adjacent laterally extending secondaryfastener(s) to form an overall secondary fastening component patternsimilar to that formed by the continuous secondary fastening componentof FIG. 13.

The secondary fastening component may be formed of any material that issuitable for the primary fastening component. In some embodiments, thesecondary fastening components may be formed of a different materialfrom the primary fastening component in order to take advantage of theunique properties of different materials. For example, a mechanicalfastener may be used for the primary fastening component in order toprovide sufficient shear strength when fastened to resist the hoopforces to which the waist regions are subjected when the disposableabsorbent article is worn. An adhesive may be used for the correspondingsecondary fastening component because the mechanical fastener resistssubstantially all of the shear forces and the only force exerted on thesecondary fastening component is a peel force that is applied when thecaregiver desires to gain access to the primary fastening component. Thesecondary fastening component is preferably refastenable after beingopened, so that it can continue to be used to restrict access to theprimary fastening component after the latter has been opened andrefastened.

Additional details of exemplary refastenable side seams are provided inco-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/815,918 filed on Apr. 1, 2004 in the name of Vargo et at,incorporated by reference herein.

As noted above, the secondary fastening components may be formed of anymaterial that is suitable for the primary fastening components and/ormay be formed of a different material from the primary fasteningcomponents in order to take advantage of the unique properties ofdifferent materials. In addition, the secondary fastening components maybe formed by bonding, sealing, or otherwise attaching the opposing waistregions together adjacent to their common side edges, e.g., if it isdesired to configure the disposable absorbent article as a pair oftraining pants and to provide the refastenable side seam in the form ofa cinching feature. For example, the secondary fastening components maybe located such that the fit around the waist of the intended size ofwearer is relatively loose to provide a desired degree of access for theinspection of the interior of the article. The refastenable primaryfastening components may then be used to cinch the overlapping waistregion to achieve the desired fit on the wearer. Whenever it is desiredto inspect the interior of the article, the primary fastening componentmay be unfastened and subsequently refastened after the inspection iscompleted. Additionally, the secondary fastening component that isformed by bonding, sealing, or otherwise attaching the waist regionstogether may be frangible, such that it can be unfastened to detach thewaist regions from each other, e.g., to enlarge the size of the waistopening and/or for the removal of the article after use. In such anembodiment, the refastenable primary fastening component may still beused to fasten the waist regions together and may still be opened forthe inspection of the interior of the article and/or for the removal ofthe article after use.

Several forms of refastenable side seams, the fastening componentsforming them, and the materials that are suitable for forming them aredescribed in U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2003/0060794published on 27 Mar. 2003 in the name of Olson. Processes for formingrefastenable side fasteners and for protecting them during manufacturingand packaging are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,526 issued on 6 Aug.2002 in the name of Heindel et al. Among several alternatives, such sideseams, fastening components, materials, and processes may be used toproduce the disposable absorbent articles of the present disclosure.

The absorbent article 20 may further include graphics 300 whichfacilitate toilet training, as illustrated in FIGS. 14a-c . In theexemplary embodiment, the graphics 300 include a permanent graphic 302,a first appearing graphic 304, and a second appearing graphic 306. Thepermanent graphic 300 may include a character image 308 resembling a boyand a text graphic 310 including words forming a message, such as“Remember to go to the potty!” As illustrated, the boy in the characterimage 308 is kneeling on the ground and the text graphic 310 is locatedabove the character image 308. While the permanent graphic 302 isillustrated as including the character image 308, it will be appreciatedthat the permanent graphic 302 may include other graphics such as anobject, design, or pattern. Furthermore, character images other than aboy may be provided, such as a girl, an animal (which may beanthropomorphic), a cartoon character, and the like. Still further,additional or alternative text may be provided in the permanent graphic300.

The first appearing graphic 304 is illustrated as a character image thatmay be associatively correlated to the permanent graphic 302. In theillustrated embodiment, the first appearing graphic 304 is in the formof a dog sitting next to the boy character image 308, with the boycharacter image 308 appearing to pet the dog. As with the permanentgraphic 302, the first appearing graphic 304 may be in the form of adifferent character other than the dog, or may be in the form ofsomething other than a character, such as an object, design, pattern,background color, or text.

The second appearing graphic 306 is illustrated as an object image thatmay be associatively correlated to the permanent graphic 302 and thefirst appearing graphic 304. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondappearing graphic 306 is in the form of a plurality of stars locatedproximate the permanent graphic 302 and the first appearing graphic 304.The second appearing graphic 306 may be in the form of a differentobject other than a plurality of stars, or may be in the form ofsomething other than an object, such as a character, design, pattern,background color, or text. Still further, while the exemplary embodimentshows three stars, fewer or less than three objects may be provided asthe second appearing graphic 306.

As noted above, the permanent, first appearing, and second appearinggraphics 302, 304, 306 may be associatively correlated to one another toform a scene. Accordingly, the graphics may relate to a common theme orstory line. While the illustrated embodiment shows a scene including aboy, dog, and star images, other scenes may be provided. For example,the scene may include images of a girl, a flower, and a rainbow, or acat, a cow, and a moon, as but two examples. Similarly, the graphics mayinclude images which children already associate with each other, such asa cartoon or popular entertainment character and the typical friends,partners, or objects that appear with the main character. When suchfamiliar images are used, the child will expect the second character oritem that is usually associated with the partial scene to appear,thereby maintaining the child's interest and encouraging him or her tocomplete a toilet training task, such as staying dry, until the scene iscomplete.

Alternatively or additionally, the graphics may be associativelycorrelated based on their proximity to one another. The graphics mayinclude multiple separate images that form a complete scene havingmultiple interrelated objects or characters as noted above.Alternatively, the multiple graphics may build a unitary final image. Inthis case, for example, the permanent image may be of an object orcharacter that is intrinsically or inherently incomplete, such as apartial drawing like a flower stem without a flower. The appearinggraphics may be images of additional parts of the flower, such as flowerpetals, leaves, and the like. Accordingly, the child will remaininterested in the toilet training task at least until completion of thefinal, composite image.

The graphics may be in the form of any visual representation thatattracts the attention of, or is otherwise identifiable by, the wearer.The graphics may include one or more icons, which may comprise, but arenot limited to, pictorial symbols, photographs, drawings, cartoons, andlogos. For example, the icons may be provided as drawings of a child oran anthropomorphic image of an animal using the article 20. Similarly,the icons may include well-known cartoon characters or brand logos, orcharacters specifically created to be associated with the article. Theicons may further include symbols, such as arrows, to indicate motion,movement, or directionality.

The graphics may be arranged in any manner as long as they are viewableby the wearer. The graphics may include a single icon or a series oficons. If a series of icons is provided, each icon may be different.Different icons may be complementary to one another, in that they arerelated to the same concept or activity, or incorporate a common visualelement (such as a similar appearance, color, or theme). The icons maybe arranged in any suitable fashion, such as, but not limited to,vertically, horizontally, diagonally, circular, arcs, and combinationsthereof.

The graphics may optionally include a character image that can increasea user's interest in the product. The term “character image” is usedherein to refer to a graphic containing an anthropomorphic image, and inparticular an image having or suggesting human form or appearance whichascribes human motivations, characteristics or behavior to inanimateobjects, animals, natural phenomena, toys, cartoon characters, or thelike. The character image may be associated with popular characters inthe media, advertising or well known in a particular culture. Ideallythey are characters that the user, particularly if a child, cares aboutand wants to identify with.

The graphics disclosed herein are particularly suited for absorbentarticles intended for use by children. Accordingly, the exemplary imagesillustrated herein may be cognitively functional to a pre-literatechild. While the graphics may include text, the primary form ofcommunication may be symbols, icons, or other markings other than words,so that a pre-literate child may comprehend and follow the instructionsor other information indicated by the graphics.

As used herein, the terms “pre-literate” and “incapable of reading” areused interchangeably to mean the inability of a child to correctlyunderstand, comprehend and follow prompts written in a language that thechild can speak without assistance of a caregiver. The ability of achild to recognize letters and/or read one or two isolated words stillmeans that the child is “incapable of reading” since he or she is unableto understand, comprehend and follow such written prompts, withoutassistance. However, this definition of “incapable of reading” does notexclude the child from being able to understand, comprehend and followvisual prompts which are presented in the form of drawings, icons,symbols, gestures, cartoons and the like. Furthermore, while thedisclosed embodiments are capable of being understood by a pre-literatechild, it is not necessary for the images to be understood at thislevel.

The first and second appearing graphics 304, 306 may appear at differenttime intervals to build interest and encourage the child not to urinatein the article 20. Use of appearing graphics allows a caregiver toexplain the appearance of a new graphic for a reward, and therefore amore positive approach to toilet training may be taken. For example, theappearing graphic may be viewed as a reward for the child staying dry.Accordingly, each of the first and second appearing graphics 304, 306has an initial state, in which the graphic is transparent, translucent,or relatively less visible, and a subsequent state, in which the graphicis at least semi-opaque or otherwise relatively more visible. The firstappearing graphic 304 may change from the initial state to thesubsequent over a first time period, such as, for example, approximatelyone hour. The second appearing graphic 306 changes from the initialstate to the subsequent state over a second time period that may bedifferent from the first time period, such as approximately two hours.Accordingly, the child is initially encouraged by the appearance of thefirst appearing graphic 304 and learns to anticipate and appreciate theappearance of the second appearing graphic 306 at a later time.

The first and second appearing graphics 304, 306 may become visible ateither a uniform or a variable rate. For example, the graphics mayappear slowly or gradually over time, such as substantially at the samerate over a period of time such as approximately one hour orapproximately two hours. Alternatively, the graphics may appear at avariable or non-uniform rate. For example, the graphics may show nochange in visibility for an initial period of time followed by a periodof more rapid change in visibility. As but one example, the graphics mayremain substantially hidden obscured, or less visible for a period ofapproximately 50 minutes and then more rapidly change to a more visiblestate over a period of approximately 10 minutes. Furthermore, while theexemplary second time period of two hours is twice the exemplary firsttime period of one hour, the time periods need not be related by anyrelative ratio. Instead, the time periods may include any suitable timeinterval. In addition, while the exemplary embodiment illustrates firstand second appearing graphics 304, 306, a third or more appearinggraphics may be provided having different time periods for changing fromthe initial to the subsequent state without departing from the scope ofthis disclosure.

The appearing graphics 304, 306 may become less visible when subjectedto liquid such as urine, thereby to discourage a child from urinating inthe article 20. Accordingly, the appearing graphics 304, 306 may bepositioned or otherwise placed in liquid communication with theabsorbent assembly 28, meaning that liquid such as urine is capable ofmoving between the appearing graphics 304, 306 and the absorbentassembly 28 under ordinary use conditions. Consequently, when a childwets the absorbent article 20, liquid is communicated to the appearinggraphics 304, 306, whereupon the appearing graphics dissolve, changecolor, disappear, or the like. For example, should the first appearinggraphic 304 as shown in FIG. 14b , or the first and second appearinggraphics 304, 306 as shown in FIG. 14c , be in the subsequent state andhence visible, the appearing graphics 304, 306 will disappear uponcontact with urine, leaving the permanent graphic 302 as shown in FIG.14 a.

The permanent graphic 302, as well as the first and second appearinggraphics 304, 306 when in the subsequent state, are viewable from anexterior of the article 20. Specifically, the graphics are viewable atthe exterior surface of the backsheet 26. Accordingly, the graphics maybe disposed on the backsheet 26, the absorbent assembly 28, or a layerlocated therebetween. For purposes of this disclosure, should aseparate, intermediate layer of material be located between thebacksheet 26 and the absorbent assembly 28, the intermediate layer willbe considered to be associated with at least one of the backsheet 26 andthe absorbent assembly 28, and therefore a graphic disposed on such anintermediate layer is considered to be disposed on at least one of thebacksheet 26 and the absorbent assembly 28.

Various placements of the graphics 302, 304, 306 may be betterunderstood with reference to the partial section views of absorbentarticles that are shown in FIG. 15a and FIG. 15b . The various layers ofthe illustrated embodiments can be secured together using adhesives,thermal bonds, mechanical bonds, or other means known to those skilledin the art.

FIG. 15a illustrates a partial section view of an absorbent articlehaving an absorbent assembly 28 sandwiched between a backsheet 26 and atopsheet 24. The illustrated backsheet 26 consists of a single layerhaving an exterior surface 320 and an opposite interior surface 322. Thepermanent and appearing graphics 302, 304, 306 may be disposed on thebacksheet 26, which includes on either surface 320 or 322 of thebacksheet, on an exterior surface 324 of the absorbent assembly 28, orbetween the absorbent assembly and the backsheet. The backsheet 26 ispreferably formed of a material that is liquid impermeable. Thepermanent graphic 302 and appearing graphics 304, 306 need not belocated in the same position or on the same substrate.

FIG. 15b illustrates a partial section view of another absorbent articlehaving an absorbent assembly 28 sandwiched between a backsheet 26 and atopsheet 24. The illustrated backsheet 26 consists of a two-layercomposite comprising an outer layer 326 and an inner layer 328. Thebacksheet 26 has an exterior surface 320 and an opposite interiorsurface 322. The permanent and appearing graphics 302, 304, 306 may bedisposed on the backsheet 26, which includes, in particular, on theexterior surface 320, on the interior surface 322, between the outer andinner layers 326, 328, on either or both facing surfaces of the outerand inner layers 326, 328, on the exterior surface 324 of the absorbentassembly 28, or between the absorbent assembly and backsheet.

Various types of mechanisms may be used to obtain the desired timeperiods between the initial and subsequent states of the appearinggraphics 304, 306. For example, the graphics 304, 306, may be formed bya chemical composition that exhibits different characteristics, such asdifferent colors, when subjected to altered environmental conditions. Adye, such as methylene blue, may be used which is colorless when in areduced state but which turns blue in an oxidized state. To reach theoxidized state, the dye must be exposed to oxygen. Accordingly, if theappearing graphics 304, 306 are formed of methylene blue, they willinitially be colorless but subsequently turn blue (and visible) whenoxidized by sufficient exposure to atmosphere. Initiation of theoxidation may be controlled by sealing the appearing graphics 304, 306prior to use, such as by covering with a membrane or plastic that isremoved approximately at the time the article is first worn. Themethylene blue dye has the added benefit of being liquid soluble, andtherefore may be flushed to the absorbent assembly 28 or other area ofthe article when exposed to urine, thereby causing the appearinggraphics 304, 306 to disappear, become obscured, or otherwise be lessvisible.

Alternatives to the foregoing dye composition may be used to effect anappearing graphic. Inks or dyes that change appearance when subjected todifferent temperatures, conductivity or resistivity, or othersurrounding conditions may be used. Still further, rather than a specialink or dye, a mechanical structure may be provided that controls flow ofink from an obscured location to a location viewable from the exteriorof the article may be used. The ink or dye may be stored in a reservoirthat is at least initially not viewable from an exterior of the article.A filter, capillary tube, or other mechanical structure may control flowof the dye to an exteriorly visible location, effectively creating atime release of the dye. The appearing graphic may use electrical meansto measure time periods and/or release ink or other graphic material.For example, a simple circuit for measuring time may be provided,thereby equipping the article with an electronic timer that may bepowered by a small battery or other power source. The timer circuit maygenerate an electronic signal indicating the desired time for releasingink or the like from a storage location.

The absorbent article 20 may include structure for providing feedback toa child using multiple senses, thereby more clearly indicating thedesired behavior during toilet training. The article 20, for example,may include at least the first appearing graphic 304 to provide positiveencouragement to stay dry and also at least wetness sensation member,such as member 50, to provide negative reinforcement or otherwise informthe child or caregiver that an accident has occurred. The appearinggraphic 304 generates a visual cue received by the sense of sight, whilethe wetness sensation member 50 provides a tactile signal received bythe child's sense of touch. By providing feedback receivable by multiplesenses, the child is more apt to learn and remember the desired behaviorfor toilet training.

Any of the above described product features can be combined in anydesired combination. For example, product features including (but notlimited too), a wetness sensation member (either permanent orremovable), refastenable sides, and appearing graphics, may all becombined in a single disposable pant like garment product offering. Inother variations, only some of these features may be included, and theymay offered in any desired combination or sub-combination. Additionally,variations of products may be combined into a single package to providea potty training kit or system, and particular suggestions of modelsystems may be provided. As an example, a series of pant like garmentsmay be include in a single potty training system kit. Some of theproducts might have a wetness sensation liner, and others may not. Insuch an example, other product features (such as refastenable sides andappearing graphics) may be included in all products in the kit, in noneof them, or in some products in any desired combination.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention.

While particular embodiments and/or individual features of the presentdisclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious tothose skilled in the art that various other changes and modificationscan be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure. Further, it should be apparent that all combinations of suchembodiments and features are possible and can result in preferredexecutions of the disclosure. Therefore, the appended claims areintended to cover all such changes and modifications that are within thescope of this disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An absorbent article for wearing about a lowertorso of a wearer and having a longitudinal axis, two laterally opposedarticle side edges extending between a laterally extending first waistend edge in a first waist region and a laterally extending second waistend edge in a second waist region, and a crotch region interposedtherebetween, the disposable absorbent article comprising: a backsheethaving an exterior surface; a topsheet joined to the backsheet andhaving a body-facing surface; an absorbent assembly disposedintermediate the backsheet and the topsheet; and an appearing graphicdisposed on one of the backsheet and absorbent assembly and viewable atthe exterior surface, the appearing graphic having an initial state inwhich the appearing graphic is less visible and, after a period of time,a subsequent state in which the appearing graphic is more visible,wherein the appearing graphic becomes less visible upon exposure toliquid.
 2. The absorbent article of claim 1, further comprising a secondappearing graphic.
 3. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein theappearing graphic comprises part of a unitary image.
 4. The absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein the appearing graphic comprises a separateimage.
 5. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the appearinggraphic comprises liquid-soluble ink.
 6. The absorbent article of claim1, wherein the appearing graphic comprises an object image.